Postdoctoral Fellow; PREP

PREP Research Associate

PREP Research Associate

Research

Title:

Artificial Intelligence for Forensic Firearm and Toolmark Analysis

A researcher will lead the development, evaluation, and characterization of AI/ML methods to improve the objectivity, reproducibility, and accuracy of toolmark pattern evidence analysis. The work will address critical challenges in the application of AI/ML to forensic science, including transparency, robustness, bias, and uncertainty, and translate findings into standards‑based approaches.

• Develop a forward‑looking research program on AI/ML in forensic firearm and toolmark analysis and collaborate on cross‑cutting techniques for other types of pattern evidence.
• Lead the development of a computational pipeline for the consistent segmentation of toolmark images using AI/ML methods.
• Investigate AI/ML to address major challenges in forensic toolmark analysis, such as characterizing toolmark quality and the direct comparison of toolmark images.
• Benchmark AI/ML‑assisted results against procedural algorithms and traditional examinations to identify where AI/ML can provide significant improvements in objectivity and efficiency.
• Quantify the uncertainty of AI/ML outputs to ensure objective communication of evidence strength in courtroom testimony and explore explainable AI frameworks that inform examiners on relevant features.
• Collaborate with the forensic community to translate research findings into actionable standards and best‑practice guides.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences.

• Ph.D. or master’s degree in computer science, physics, engineering, statistics, forensic science, or a closely related field.
• Research experience in the development and application of AI/ML for image analysis.
• Proficiency with Python or MATLAB.
• Evidence of independent research experience and a strong enthusiasm for learning new theoretical, computational, and experimental techniques.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• U.S. citizenship preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Institute is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics.